Shine On, Heroes: NFFF & FDNY Post-9/11 Tribute
We invite you to light up red on October 18, 2025 to honor fallen 9/11 firefighters and their families
This year, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation introduces Shine On, Heroes—a powerful new tribute centered in New York City and shining red across the nation in honor of fallen firefighters.
On October 18, 2025, as part of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation/FDNY Memorial, iconic landmarks, firehouses, buildings, and homes throughout New York City will light up in red to honor FDNY firefighters who died from 9/11-related illnesses and whose names are being added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
Inspired by the Foundation’s Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters tradition, Shine On, Heroes: NFFF & FDNY Post-9/11 Tribute extends this moment of remembrance in New York—inviting fire service organizations, families, and communities nationwide to join in lighting the night red in a shared show of support.
Together, we shine for the heroes WE WILL NEVER FORGET.
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Join Us This Fall for Shine On, Heroes: NFFF & FDNY Post-9/11 Tribute
As night falls on October 18, 2025, buildings, homes, firehouses, and landmarks in New York and across the nation will shine red in tribute to fallen firefighters and in honor of the 9/11 heroes and their families.
How to organize a Shine On, Heroes: NFFF & FDNY Post-9/11 Tribute in your community
1. Plan Your Light Tribute
We invite fire departments, fire service organizations, and the community to participate in Shine On, Heroes: NFFF & FDNY Post-9/11 Tribute. You can begin by setting a date for your Shine On, Heroes: NFFF & FDNY Post-9/11 Tribute, anytime on or around October 18, 2025.
2. Organize & Test Your Plan
If your organization does not already have red lighting installed in the bays, you can also consider a red spotlight. Departments can purchase special filters for their lights.
3. Sign Up to Participate
We want to recognize your participation on our website, please tell us about your tribute to share your event with the NFFF using the form on your left. The NFFF will list on our website and pinned on our Shine On, Heroes: NFFF & FDNY Post-9/11 Tribute map.
4. Promote Your Event
Once you have planned your tribute, please share the event with your community through your social media, digital signboard, community newsletters, etc. Contact your local media and send a media advisory about your tribute to our 9/11 heroes.
5. Hold Your Event & Share Your Story
The Foundation will show our Fire Hero Families how their loved ones were honored and would like to collect photos and stories to give future participants ideas. Email us at photos@firehero.org and/or share with #ShineOnHeroes
Get Started With Your Light Tribute
Light Your Home in Red
To light your home during Shine On, Heroes: NFFF & FDNY Post-9/11 Tribute, you can buy bulbs online using our Amazon Associates link.*
Illuminate your Agency or Landmark
Get Rosco Filters to Illuminate your department, landmark, or office for Shine On, Heroes: NFFF & FDNY Post-9/11 Tribute.
* Your purchase through our Amazon Associates program will benefit the programs of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to honor America’s fallen fire heroes; support their families, colleagues, and organizations; and work to reduce preventable firefighter death and injury.